Eager to return home to Turkey, Diren was busy packing up her souvenirs and keepsakes when I sat down to chat with her. Istanbul, where she works, is one of my absolute favorite cities, so I was really excited to hear her story and thoughts on Chicago!
Originally from Ankara, Turkey she has a PhD in marketing and works in that field in Istanbul. She came to the United States a month ago to work with a professor in Nebraska and decided to do some extra traveling on the side. Diren has been in Chicago for a total of 9 days and has really enjoyed her time here. This was her first visit to the United States, but after our conversation, I think it's safe to say that it won't be her last!
When I asked her what she likes most about Chicago, she gave me the answer that I hear most often: the architecture. She said usually she doesn't like the look of skyscrapers, but here it just adds to the city's beauty. Specifically, she has loved taking black and white pictures of the skyline and the lake front. That's how you truly capture the beauty she says.
Because she was here for 9 days, she got to see and do a lot. She visited many museums, different neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, and took interesting trips like the Architecture Boat Tour. Coming from Istanbul, a city of almost 14 million people, she likes the size of Chicago and says that she prefers this type of quieter city (well quieter compared to Istanbul).
Last but not least, I had to ask her what she thought of the hostel. And just as I expected, she loved her stay here! Diren said that she likes how open it is and how the common areas really allow you to talk with other people and exchange ideas. Not all hostels provide that kind of atmosphere, so I'm glad we could do that for her!
Resource Links:
Chicago Architecture Foundation: http://www.architecture.org/
(hostel guests receive $3 off walking tours!)
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